Big Tuna in the Big Easy?

Thursday

Mar 29, 2012 at 10:00 AMMar 29, 2012 at 10:32 AM

It has been a strange two weeks for the New Orleans Saints organization.

Chris Singleton Staff Writer

It has been a strange two weeks for the New Orleans Saints organization.Since the news of the bounty scandal broke earlier this month, the small-market based Saints have dominated national headlines, even if its for all the wrong reasons.The coverage of the scandal, which has become known as "Bountygate" in the national media, has created a fire storm of rumors.One of the biggest rumors going around is that legendary former NFL coach Bill Parcells could possibly step in as interim coach while Saints coach Sean Payton serves a one-year suspension for his involvement in "Bountygate."At first, the rumor of Parcells coming to the Saints seemed to sound as a strange joke.But recent news articles reports say that the rumors are heating up and there is a chance the former New York Giants, New England, New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys coach could end up in New Orleans.Payton, who received a harsh one-year suspension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, is a former assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach of Parcells from his days in Dallas. Parcells has been a big influence on Payton's career. Payton has modeled the Saints organization similar to Parcells' old coaching style.The two Super Bowl winning coaches are close friends. If Parcells is known as "the Big Tuna," then Payton should be considered the "Little Choupique" because he is just a younger version of his former boss.I think Parcells stepping in on an interim basis could be a good thing for the Saints.With all of the controversy surrounding the organization, Parcells would bring much-needed structure to the Saints.With Payton suspended for a year, it would be hard for the Saints to weather the storm without a proven leader on the sidelines. The Saints have good coaches like offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo (former St. Louis Rams coach) on the current staff, but neither have experience of leading a winning team. With Parcells on the team, Carmichael and Spagnuolo could focus on doing their jobs without all the hassle. Parcells, who turns 71 in August, is the type of coach that can keep things going without the Saints missing a beat during Payton's absence.Although he hasn't coached a team since 2006 or worked with an NFL team since 2010, Parcells could be a good fit if he is motivated and committed to stepping in for the Saints. He has the experience. He has led his teams to three Super Bowl appearances, winning two championships with the Giants in 1986 and 1990.He knows how the business works.His track record of rebuilding every team he has been involved with is quite impressive. Most importantly, he is a older version of Payton, so the drop off wouldn't be too large. Parcells is known for his motivational tactics, so he wouldn't have much problem getting the team mentally ready to play each week.For the Saints, they would be getting a proven coach with an extensive football background. Losing Payton for a full season is tough to accept, but having Parcells would take some of the sting off of it. For Parcells, he'll get a chance to step in and coach a legit Super Bowl contending team for one season. It'll add to his legacy, and it could help make his résumé for the Pro Football Hall of Fame look a lot better. If they can reach a deal, it sounds like a win for all parties. It really makes sense for the Saints, a team that has nothing to lose at this point after being gutted by Goodell.

Staff writer Chris Singleton can be reached at 857-2213 or 448-1200 ext. 2213 or chris.singleton@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter at @CourierChris.